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North America Politics

US-Cuba thaw has a long road ahead

President Obama’s decision to re-establish relations with Cuba this week will yield a short-term uptick in bilateral trade, but realization of long-term investment opportunities remain some ways off. Wednesday’s bombshell that

Europe Technology and infrastructure

Tensions rise between US and EU tech companies

Amid a recent resolution by the European Parliament to break up Google, tensions continue to rise between Europe and American tech companies. What does this mean for Google, tech and

Latin America Politics

Crackdown continues as Maduro’s approval declines

On 3 December, Maria Corina Machiado was given notice that she will face criminal charges for her alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. Adding to the

Asia Pacific Finance

China’s interest rate cut not as reformist as it seems

China’s recent interest rate cut could ease corporate debt financing pressure. But at the same time, by expanding the floating range of interest rates on bank deposits, China could move towards more financial

Finance South and Central Asia

‘Black Tuesday’ in Russia as rouble slide sparks currency crisis

Sharp rouble depreciation revives fears of 1998 crisis, forcing the Central Bank of Russia to take tough decisions with limited results so far. Investors should prepare for further restrictions and economic recession. On

Europe Politics

Snap elections in Sweden will battle over immigration

Last week the Swedish minority government dissolved the parliament and called the first snap election in over 50 years after their budget proposal was defeated. The crisis is not only

Sub-Saharan Africa Technology and infrastructure

Mobile money in Africa moves beyond M-Pesa

Seven years ago, Kenya’s M-Pesa launched a mobile money revolution. Can other mobile payments services beyond M-Pesa, and beyond East Africa, take hold on the continent? When mobile network operator

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

OPEC ‘no-cut’ decision adds to Middle East divide

OPEC’s recent decision to not to cut oil production and instead maintain low prices is having a ripple effect across the Middle East. While countries with rich oil reserves are

Europe Finance

Draghi risks becoming the Boy Who Cried Wolf over QE

Recent remarks by ECB President Mario Draghi have promised to tackle the near-recession level of activity plaguing the Eurozone. But while words have come often, there has been far less

Politics South and Central Asia

Kazakhstan becomes centrepiece in Eurasian diplomacy

In a phase of declining oil prices and economic storm in neighbouring Russia, Kazakhstan has engaged in intense diplomatic activity with the West and other Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan is